FC boys basketball power rankings: Trojans on top among strong crop of local teams

Waynesboro's Logan Weibley, left, tries to get position against CASHS Tyler Collier. Local teams opened their season during the Franklin County Basketball Tip-off Tournament at Greencastle, Friday, December 8, 2017.(Photo11: Markell DeLoatch, GameTimePa.com)

It might still be early in the high school basketball season, but is it ever too early for power rankings?

Franklin County teams are still jostling for position, as close games at the Franklin County Tip-Off Tournament didn’t completely separate anyone from the pack despite Chambersburg’s title. These rankings are sure to fluctuate frequently throughout the year.

Here’s how things currently stand as schools head into winter break.

1. Chambersburg Trojans (4-1)

Despite suffering their first loss of the season, the Trojans get the nod at the top spot due to head-to-head wins over both Greencastle and Waynesboro.

Chambersburg has been led by senior Cade Brindle, who earned Tip-Off Tournament MVP honors, and has been a strong presence on both sides of the ball. Evan Shreffler has provided a steady presence at point guard, as well as some clutch play.

Where Chambersburg can take the next step is in post play. Both junior Tyler Collier and senior Joel Torres have shown flashes, and if the Trojans can harness the potential of a frontcourt with that much size paired with strong wing play, they’ll be a tough out in Commonwealth play.

Carter Van Scyoc has been strong for the Greyhounds in his senior season.(Photo11: Noelle Haro-Gomez, GameTimePA.com)

2. Shippensburg Greyhounds (4-1)

The only team on this list to not play in the Franklin County Tip-Off, it’s little harder to size-up the Greyhounds simply due to lack of common opponents. But, after an opening night loss to Lancaster Menonite, Shippensburg has been on a roll that’s hard to deny.

Leading the way for them is senior Carter Van Scyoc, who has been as impressive on the basketball court as he’s been on the football field, going for 34 points in a recent win against Muhlenburg.

We’ll get a better idea of how they stack up against other Franklin County teams in 2018, as they open the new year with back-to-back games against Waynesboro and Greencastle.

3. Greencastle-Antrim Blue Devils (3-1)

Greencastle was a couple missed shots away from finding itself atop this list, but, after falling in a close one to Chambersburg in the Franklin County tip-off, the Blue Devils come in at three.

Don’t let the ranking fool you. Greencastle has the ability to beat any team in the area, led by a ferocious, swarming defense anchored by Brandon Stuhler. Stuhler and Bryan Gembe have been a tremendous one-two punch for the Devils, averaging a combined 30 points per game this year.

As a whole, the team is averaging 13 steals per game and holding opponents under 40% from the field. If they keep that up, they’ll be rising up the rankings quickly.

Logan Weibley (43) of Waynesboro and CASHS Tyron Williams battle for a loose ball. Local teams opened their season during the Franklin County Basketball Tip-off Tournament at Greencastle, Friday, December 8, 2017.(Photo11: Markell DeLoatch, GameTimePa.com)

4. Waynesboro Indians (3-1)

It speaks to the depth of Franklin County’s basketball talent that the Indians come in at No. 4, with their only loss of the season coming to Chambersburg in the tip-off.

With two straight wins over James Buchanan and a road win over Big Spring, Waynesboro has shown that, despite some roster turnover, they’ll still be a challenge in the Mid-Penn. Logan Weibley anchors the team at center, providing a physical presence while also possessing the ability to stretch the floor.

The Indians will face their next really big test on Jan. 2, when they take on Shippensburg on the road. A win there would do a lot to solidify the Indians standing in the Colonial.

Hunter Sowers rolls on the floor after being tripped by a Waynesboro player. The finals in the Franklin County Basketball Tip-off Tournament was held Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 at Greencastle.(Photo11: Markell DeLoatch, GametimePa.com)

5. James Buchanan Rockets (0-4)

James Buchanan has had a tough start to the season, thanks in large part due to a brutal schedule that has seen the Rockets play both Greenastle and Waynesboro twice.

The Rockets are a very young team, so growing pains are to be expected. But one bright spot has been Hunter Sowers, who has been a force in the paint all year long. As the younger guards like Cyrus Maldonado and Caden Stoner continue to develop and get acclimated, the Rockets could be a tough matchup for some Colonial teams, but it might take some time.

The Rockets have a fun trip ahead of them on Thursday, though, as they head to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia to take on Big Sping on the Philadelphia 76ers’ home court.